Best Harvard Center For International Development Podcasts (2025)

1
The Future of Hunger - AI and the Fight Against Food Insecurity 41:37

3d ago41:37

41:37

In this episode of Road to GEM, Harvard PhD Student and CID Affiliate Jasmin Higospeaks with Jean-Martin Bauer, Director of Food Security and Nutrition Analysis at theWorld Food Programme, about how AI is shaping the global response to hunger. Withover 700 million people facing chronic food insecurity—and food crises driven byconflict, climate chan…

1
How Can AI Help Build Greener, More Inclusive Cities? 45:54

10d ago45:54

45:54

In this episode of Road to GEM, we explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence in urban planning and climate resilience. Jennifer Hotsko and Betty Chemier from UNDP’s Accelerator Lab in Panama join host Giovanna Lia Toledo, Master in Urban Planning candidate at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, to share real-world projects where…

1
AI for Good? Navigating Innovation, Participation, and Impact in Humanitarian Work 40:57

18d ago40:57

40:57

Artificial Intelligence is transforming humanitarian aid—but what does responsible, community-centered innovation really look like? In this episode we explore how AI is being applied across CARE’s work in humanitarian and development contexts, from real-time needs assessment to amplifying women’s voices during crises.Emily Janoch, with nearly two d…

1
Africa’s Emerging AI Tech Landscape: Success, Challenges, and Path Forward 52:13

29d ago52:13

52:13

How is AI reshaping Africa's tech landscape? In this episode, Marcelle N. Momha explores this question with Dr. Barbara Glover (African Union Development Agency-NEPAD) and Dr. William Wasswa (Mbarara University of Science and Technology). They discuss the role of AI in tackling African challenges, highlighting projects like Microsoft's investments …

1
Leveraging AI for Global Development: Opportunities and Policy Implications 27:30

1M ago27:30

27:30

AI is reshaping global development—but how can it be harnessed to address challenges in governance, decentralization, and inclusion? In this episode, we dive into the transformative potential of AI with Pritham Raja and Chinasa T. Okolo, who explore the intersection of AI, policy, and global equity. From using AI to bridge gaps in local governance …

1
Advancing Human Rights in Mega-sporting Events 38:50

4M ago38:50

38:50

In this episode, we delve into the complex dynamics between mega-sporting events and human rights. Vijay Simhan from Humanity United offers valuable insights into funding strategies for narrative, research and advocacy, drawing from the foundation's work in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Thays Prado from the Center for Sport and Human Rights emp…

1
Catalyzing International Development through Sports 41:06

5M ago41:06

41:06

Whether as spectators, players, coaches, or executives, sports bring people together and have the potential to drive improvements in education, health, and labor across the globe. In this episode, we explore the transformative power of sports in community building and international development. Mariana Behr Andrade, Global Sports Initiative Fellow …

1
Fueling International Development Through Narrative 37:40

5M ago37:40

37:40

In this episode, we’re diving into the power of narrative in international development. More than just storytelling, narrative has become a critical tool—from shaping program design to influencing funding decisions. Donors and practitioners alike are recognizing the role of narrative in advancing sustainable development goals. But what exactly does…

1
Reproductive Justice Across Borders 50:17

5M ago50:17

50:17

In this episode, we dive into reproductive justice—exploring abortion access in Latin America and menstrual rights in India. How can we advance reproductive rights while navigating religious, intergenerational and cultural landscapes? We’ll discuss the intersections of labor, health, and policy. First, we speak with Paula Avila-Guillen, human right…

1
Reimagining the Care Economy 44:15

5M ago44:15

44:15

In this episode, we explore the care economy, delving into the crucial roles of care for children, elders, and others from an economic perspective. Who is truly investing in care, and who benefits from these investments? We’re joined by Nancy Folbre, Professor Emeritus of Economics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, who analyzes care as an…

1
Scaling Up with Purpose 30:02

6M ago30:02

30:02

In this episode, we unpack what “scaling up” truly means in international development—not just expanding for growth’s sake, but doing so with intentionality to maximize impact. We’re joined by Jossie Fahsbender, Senior Program Manager at IMAGO, and Siddhant Gokhale, Senior Knowledge Manager at IMAGO, co-authors of Scaling Up Development Impact alon…

1
Navigating Education Policy and Human Development 30:28

12M ago30:28

30:28

In this episode, we explore the dynamic relationship between education policy and human development in the Global South. Dr. Emiliana Vegas, a professor at the Graduate School of Education at Harvard University. She shares her wealth of experience and insights. From advocating for micro-inputs to promoting comprehensive support systems, Dr. Vegas o…

1
Progress, Gaps, and Strategies for Women’s Economic Empowerment 46:05

1y ago46:05

46:05

In this episode, we explore women's economic empowerment with Diva Dhar from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Varina Winder from the US State Department, and Wendy Teleki from the World Bank. Together, they share their unique approaches to addressing economic opportunities for women, discussing pivotal moments for women in low and medium-inco…

1
Education Policy and Practice in the Global South: Insights from Pakistan 39:53

1y ago39:53

39:53

In this episode of our Road to GEM24 podcast series, Javed Malik, Program Director of the Malala Fund in Pakistan, dives into the realms of education, governance, and development. Tune in to listen to discussions on the role of evidence-based policymaking, challenges in education delivery, and the imperative of gender-focused interventions. Hosted …

1
Female Founders: Strategies for Investment in MENA and Beyond 30:48

1y ago30:48

30:48

Join us as we dive into strategies to foster investment in female founders, with a special focus on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Our guests, Katherine Coffman from Harvard Business School and Hela Cheikhrouhou from the International Finance Corporation, shed light on the barriers and disparities faced by female founders and advoc…

1
Zooming Into the LGBTQ+ Movement: Lebanon and Mexico 43:22

1y ago43:22

43:22

Dive into the vibrant LGBTQ+ movements of Lebanon and Mexico in our latest episode of "Zooming Into the LGBTQ+ Movement." Join us as we speak with two remarkable activists and entrepreneurs, Tarek Zeidan and Enrique Torre Molina. Tarek is the founder of Helem, the pioneering LGBTQ+ organization in the Arab world, while Enrique co-founded Colmena 41…

1
Zooming Into the LGBTQ+ Movement: Brazil and Kenya 29:47

1y ago29:47

29:47

Join us as we zoom into the LGBTQ+ movement in Brazil and Kenya with Antonia Moreira (Atelier TRANSmoras Association) and Enosa Adera (Trans* Alliance). Antonia brings the power of fashion to the forefront, using it as a catalyst for advocacy and community building in Brazil. Meanwhile, in Kenya, Enosa confronts a legal landscape of criminalization…

1
Zooming Out on the LGBTQ+ Movement Worldwide 46:49

1y ago46:49

46:49

Join Diego Garcia Blum, Director of the Global LGBTQI+ Human Rights Program at the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy at Harvard Kennedy School, and Professor Tim McCarthy, a Lecturer at Harvard Kennedy School and at the Harvard School of Education. Together, they navigate the complex terrain of the LGBTQ+ movement worldwide, delving into misinfor…

1
Centering Gender in International Development 42:53

1y ago42:53

42:53

Join Harvard University's Center for International Development for the inaugural episode of 2024’s Road to GEM podcast series, setting the stage for CID's annual conference, which this year focuses on gender and development. In this episode, CID Executive Director Fatema Z. Sumar and Research Fellow Mara Bolis engage in a thought-provoking conversa…

1
Fog Harvesting for Water Scarcity and other Climate Interventions 32:59

1+ y ago32:59

32:59

Welcome to the Harvard Center for International Development’s “Road to GEM23” Climate & Development podcast. CID's "Road to GEM23" series precedes and helps launch CID’s Global Empowerment Meeting (or GEM), Growing in a Green World on May 10th and 11th. At CID, we work across a global network of researchers and practitioners to build, convene, and …

1
Mobilizing Communities Through Art 39:08

1+ y ago39:08

39:08

In this interview, Charles Hua, senior at Harvard College and CID student ambassador, speaks with Xavier Cortada and Adam Roberti. Cortada, a Cuban-American artist, seamlessly works across disciplines to engage communities, urging them to draw upon local experiences and unlock their inherent creativity. Adam Roberti is the executive director of the…

1
Navigating Cities and Climate Change 23:48

1+ y ago23:48

23:48

Navigating Cities and Climate Change by Harvard Center for International DevelopmentBy Harvard Center for International Development

1
Bridging Communities and Tech in a Climate Crisis 29:01

1+ y ago29:01

29:01

Join Charles Hua, senior at Harvard College and CID student ambassador, as he engages in a thought-provoking interview with Shayan Chowdury, Founder of Reach4Help. This tech nonprofit is on a mission to connect people in need with trusted volunteer help across more than 38 countries, effectively coordinating logistics to understand needs and mobili…

1
Democratizing Data for Sustainable Development 31:04

1+ y ago31:04

31:04

Unlock the power of data democratization in our latest episode featuring Wolfgang Fengler, CEO of World Data Lab. As the driving force behind an initiative that aims to democratize data globally, Fengler discusses the urgent need to shift from backward-looking data to to break down data into relevant and actionable pieces, with a focus on critical …

1
The opportunity of climate philanthropy in India 45:48

2y ago45:48

45:48

Welcome to the Harvard Center for International Development’s Road to GEM23 Climate & Development podcast. At CID, we work across a global network of researchers and practitioners to build, convene, and deploy talent to address the world’s most pressing challenges. On our Road to GEM23, we strive to elevate and learn from voices from the countries …

1
Loss & damage obligations, non-political climate policies, and compelling climate communication 32:56

2y ago32:56

32:56

Welcome to the Harvard Center for International Development’s Road to GEM23 Climate & Development podcast. At CID, we work across a global network of researchers and practitioners to build, convene, and deploy talent to address the world’s most pressing challenges. On our Road to GEM23, we strive to elevate and learn from voices from the countries …

1
Ensuring a just energy transition: minimizing resource extraction for environmental justice 30:36

2y ago30:36

30:36

Welcome to the Harvard Center for International Development’s Road to GEM23 Climate & Development podcast. At CID, we work across a global network of researchers and practitioners to build, convene, and deploy talent to address the world’s most pressing challenges. On our Road to GEM23, we strive to elevate and learn from voices from the countries …

1
Carbon markets, climate tech, and the pathway to carbon net-zero 26:45

2y ago26:45

26:45

Welcome to the Harvard Center for International Development’s Road to GEM23 Climate & Development podcast. At CID, we work across a global network of researchers and practitioners to build, convene, and deploy talent to address the world’s most pressing challenges. On our Road to GEM23, we strive to elevate and learn from voices from the countries …

1
Climate policy and diplomacy in the U.S. and China 28:08

2y ago28:08

28:08

Welcome to the Harvard Center for International Development’s Road to GEM23 Climate & Development podcast. At CID, we work across a global network of researchers and practitioners to build, convene, and deploy talent to address the world’s most pressing challenges. On our Road to GEM23, we strive to elevate and learn from voices from the countries …

1
Decarbonizing the built environment: roadblocks and pathways for the developing world 25:31

2y ago25:31

25:31

Welcome to the Harvard Center for International Development’s Road to GEM23 Climate & Development podcast. At CID, we work across a global network of researchers and practitioners to build, convene, and deploy talent to address the world’s most pressing challenges. On our Road to GEM23, we strive to elevate and learn from voices from the countries …

1
Climate vulnerabilities and opportunities for India’s Informal women workers 18:20

2y ago18:20

18:20

Welcome to the Harvard Center for International Development’s Road to GEM23 Climate & Development podcast. At CID, we work across a global network of researchers and practitioners to build, convene, and deploy talent to address the world’s most pressing challenges. On our Road to GEM23, we strive to elevate and learn from voices from the countries …

1
Using data to build climate-resilient cities 30:57

2y ago30:57

30:57

Welcome to the Harvard Center for International Development’s Road to GEM23 Climate & Development podcast. CID's Road to GEM23 series precedes and helps launch CID’s Global Empowerment Meeting 2023 (GEM23), Growing in a Green World on May 10th and 11th. At CID, we work across a global network of researchers and practitioners to build, convene, and …

1
Climate change modeling: applications and lessons for action 21:07

2y ago21:07

21:07

Welcome to the Harvard Center for International Development’s Road to GEM23 Climate & Development podcast. CID's Road to GEM23 series precedes and helps launch CID’s Global Empowerment Meeting 2023 (GEM23), Growing in a Green World on May 10th and 11th. At CID, we work across a global network of researchers and practitioners to build, convene, and …

1
Systems change for climate adaptation? It starts with leadership and creative policymaking 38:48

2y ago38:48

38:48

Welcome to the Harvard Center for International Development’s Road to GEM23 Climate & Development podcast. CID's Road to GEM23 series precedes and helps launch CID’s Global Empowerment Meeting 2023 (GEM23), Growing in a Green World on May 10th and 11th. At CID, we work across a global network of researchers and practitioners to build, convene, and …

1
Solar geoengineering as a strategy for managing climate change risks 36:28

2y ago36:28

36:28

Welcome to the Harvard Center for International Development’s Road to GEM23 Climate & Development podcast. CID's Road to GEM23 series precedes and helps launch CID’s Global Empowerment Meeting 2023 (GEM23), Growing in a Green World on May 10th and 11th. At CID, we work across a global network of researchers and practitioners to build, convene, and …

1
Climate change in Africa: Exploring citizen experiences and perspectives 24:49

2y ago24:49

24:49

Welcome to the Harvard Center for International Development’s “Road to GEM23” Climate & Development podcast. CID's "Road to GEM23" series precedes and helps launch CID’s Global Empowerment Meeting (or GEM), Growing in a Green World on May 10th and 11th. At CID, we work across a global network of researchers and practitioners to build, convene, and …

1
Bridging Digital Divides: Technology as a Force for Inclusion 25:00

2+ y ago25:00

25:00

This podcast was originally recorded on November 18, 2022, for the CID Speaker Series featuring Aleem Walji, Senior Advisor - Strategy, Innovation and Partnerships at the Institute for Capacity Development, International Monetary Fund. Aleem continued the conversation with CID Student Ambassador, Aining Liang, after an appearance at the CID Speaker…

1
The Frontlines of Peace: An Insider’s Guide to Changing the World 18:43

2+ y ago18:43

18:43

This podcast was originally recorded on October 7, 2022, for the CID Speaker Series featuring Séverine Autesserre, Author and Professor and Chair of Political Science at Barnard College, Columbia University. Séverine continued the conversation with CID Student Ambassador, Aining Liang, after an appearance at the CID Speaker Series event.Séverine's …

1
Bringing Development Strategy Back In: New Insights from China, South Korea, and Singapore 13:10

2+ y ago13:10

13:10

This podcast was originally recorded on September 23, 2022, for the CID Speaker Series featuring Karim Sarhan, Research Fellow at Harvard's Center for International Development and Partner at Sharkawy & Sarhan Law Firm. Karim continued the conversation with CID Student Ambassador, Kevin Chen, after an appearance at the CID Speaker Series event.Kari…

1
Immigration, Innovation, Labor: Insights into the Global Economic Ecosystem 26:35

3y ago26:35

26:35

Welcome to the Harvard Center for International Development’s Beyond COVID podcast. This podcast is a series of conversations with CID faculty experts on various key dimensions of COVID response and recovery. Our goal with these conversations, and with CID’s Beyond COVID research initiative, is to make use of lessons learned and capitalize on emerg…

1
How Will the War in Ukraine Impact China’s Engagement in Eastern Europe? 1:22:41

3y ago1:22:41

1:22:41

Over the past three decades, China has become a major trade partner and investor for Belarus, Moldova, and Ukraine. The region is also an important component of the BRI New Eurasian Land Bridge, providing alternative access to Western Europe. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is shaking up China’s plans and prospects in this part of Eurasia. With the cl…

1
The Future of Work and Consequences of COVID Learning Loss 21:26

3y ago21:26

21:26

Welcome to the Harvard Center for International Development’s Beyond COVID podcast. This podcast is a series of conversations with CID faculty experts on various key dimensions of COVID response and recovery. Our goal with these conversations, and with CID’s Beyond COVID research initiative, is to make use of lessons learned and capitalize on emerg…

1
Behind the Curve: Can manufacturing still provide inclusive growth? 18:47

3y ago18:47

18:47

This podcast was originally recorded on Friday, April 8, 2022, for the CID Speaker Series featuring Robert Lawrence, Albert L. Williams Professor of International Trade and Investment at John F. Kennedy School of Government. Robert continued the conversation with CID Student Ambassador, Kevin Chen, after an appearance at the virtual CID Speaker Ser…

1
Ensuring Children are Not Forgotten During COVID Recovery 20:47

3y ago20:47

20:47

Welcome to the Harvard Center for International Development’s Beyond COVID podcast. This podcast is a series of conversations with CID faculty experts on various key dimensions of COVID response and recovery. Our goal with these conversations, and with CID’s Beyond COVID research initiative, is to make use of lessons learned and capitalize on emerg…

1
Nutrition, Climate Change, and COVID-19 14:03

3y ago14:03

14:03

Welcome to the Harvard Center for International Development’s Beyond COVID podcast. This podcast is a series of conversations with CID faculty experts on various key dimensions of COVID response and recovery. Our goal with these conversations, and with CID’s Beyond COVID research initiative, is to make use of lessons learned and capitalize on emerg…

1
Can Social Enterprises Fill the Market and Public Sector Gaps in Tough Places? 19:41

3y ago19:41

19:41

This podcast was originally recorded on Friday, February 25, 2022, for the CID Speaker Series featuring Debbie Aung Din, Co-Founder of Proximity Designs. Debbie continued the conversation with CID Student Ambassador, Sohee Hyung, after an appearance at the virtual CID Speaker Series event.Growing a sustainable social business that achieves impact a…

1
Getting Vaccines Through the Last Mile: The Need for Local Context and Ownership 29:16

3y ago29:16

29:16

Welcome to the Harvard Center for International Development’s Beyond COVID podcast. This podcast is a series of conversations on various key dimensions of COVID response and recovery. Our goal with these conversations, and with CID’s Beyond COVID research initiative, is to make use of lessons learned and capitalize on emergent innovations sparked b…

1
Using a Citizens’ Commission to Drive Health Policy Change in India 23:02

3y ago23:02

23:02

Welcome to the Harvard Center for International Development’s Beyond COVID podcast. This podcast is a series of conversations with CID faculty experts on various key dimensions of COVID response and recovery. Our goal with these conversations, and with CID’s Beyond COVID research initiative, is to make use of lessons learned and capitalize on emerg…

1
Climate Change, Digital Data Commons and the Politics of Urban Transport in African Cities 21:56

3y ago21:56

21:56

This podcast was originally recorded on Friday, February 11, 2022, for the CID Speaker Series featuring Jacqueline (Jackie) Klopp, Co-director of the Center for Sustainable Urban Development and a Research Scholar at Columbia University. Jackie continued the conversation with CID Student Ambassador, Manasa Acharya, after an appearance at the virtua…

1
Digital Government: Foundations for Global Development and Democracy 16:13

3y ago16:13

16:13

This podcast was originally recorded on Friday, February 04, 2022, for the CID Speaker Series featuring Meagan Dooley, the Global Program Officer at Tetra Tech, and George Ingram, a Senior Fellow - Global Economy and Development, Center for Sustainable Development at Brookings. Dooley and Ingram continued the conversation with CID Student Ambassado…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Harvard Center For International Development Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen